There is a serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere at present. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Please see the attached generic NHS leaflet. Please do not blame pharmacy staff or GP surgery staff; it isn’t their fault.

Sunday 03 May 2026

An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

The struggle getting hold of medication in SWF is getting worse. “Access to medicines in England is at its most fragile point in years. People living with heart conditions, stroke risks, eye infections, bipolar and ADHD – to name just a few – are among those unable to get the medications they depend on. Supply problems mean people are too often leaving pharmacies up and down the country without the medication they need.” (BBC 1 May) We’ve seen this happening in SWF, have reported it to NHS Essex and the NHS nationally. Please don’t blame pharmacy staff or GP surgery staff; it isn’t their fault. This is being caused by global supply chain disruptions, shortages of raw materials and pharmaceutical ingredients, and economic factors. Pharmacies can only dispense exactly what is prescribed. You can ask your doctor if there’s any alternative they can safely prescribe for you.

Measles outbreak continues in north London. Parents should get children vaccinated and check children’s vaccination status.  Up to 20 April in 2026 442 English measles cases have been confirmed, 35 more since 13 April, mostly driven by the North London outbreak.   

The Lampard Inquiry into Essex deaths of thousands of mental health patients between 2000-2023 is refocusing due to “emerging evidence” and “ongoing issues” with Essex Partnership Trust’s  engagement. After July’s hearings there may be interim recommendations for change.  

Hay fever sufferers must now put up with symptoms for up to two weeks longer than they would have done in the 1990s. Scientists worldwide say climate change has “prolonged the pollen season”. The fine powder released by certain grasses, trees and plants can cause chaos for those who are allergic, with itchy eyes, sneezing and headaches all common symptoms. “While for some symptoms can be mild, for many hay fever impacts quality of life.” Allergy experts recommend “a cocktail approach” of antihistamine tablets or drops, steroid nasal spray, and eye drops.

Spring COVID-19 vaccine is booking now open. From now until 30 June 2026, vaccination is being offered in England to: 

• adults aged 75 and over 
• residents in care homes for older people 
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed. 

An informative recording of our March Virtual Public Meeting “Will SWF get better health services from 1^st April’s NHS changes?” is on our website.

Our local Hospitals’ Trust went into an “intensive recovery programme” in April after the Health Secretary said “failure has been tolerated for too long”. Their performance in March was:

• 68.1% (68.3% in February) of patients were seen within four hours in their emergency departments against the national standard of 78%. Nationally the performance was 77.1% and in East of England it was 76.7%. A revised improvement plan was introduced in March along with increased senior leadership presence in clinical areas.
• 38 minutes was the average time for ambulances to hand over patients. This compares to 35 minutes in East of England and nationally.
• 63% (63.2%) of patients received cancer diagnosis results within 28 days, against the 79% standard. Improvement focuses on clinical priority of diagnostics.

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